HEBRON - A Southeast Nebraska town is celebrating its local businesses who used funds for improvement.

As part of an enhancement grant from the state of Nebraska and LB-840, Hebron, NE. was given $445,000 in revitalization funds to help area businesses. On Wednesday, committee members, city officials, and the chamber of commerce passed out certificates to those businesses.

Hebron mayor Greg Huber called it a display of gratitude.

“Just a way to thank them,” Huber said. “For their support and also the money they’ve put towards their businesses to make them look good.”

One of those businesses is Matt’s Body Shop. Owner Matt Richardson used funds to improve the exterior of the building.

“It was huge [to receive funds],” Richardson said. “The tin work, roofing, awning, new door, it was a huge improvement to the outside of the building and it would not have gotten done without these funds… Just wasn’t in the budget.”

Huber and Richardson both share the message that the improvements to the town are noticeable and have been eye-opening to non-residents.

“All you have to do is drive downtown,” Richardson said. “Just look at the buildings and you’ll see the improvements that have been made to these buildings. If you had a before/after shot, it’d be pretty obvious.”

“They have enhanced their business, they have made them better,” Huber said. “People coming into town have really noticed the improvements to the town.”

For Huber, a two-time mayor, and lifelong Hebron resident, the improvements to the town have special meaning.

“We have put this program together, with the LB-840 and the grant,” Huber said. “I just feel fantastic that the businesses have cooperated as much as they have.”